Why Mission Education?

Pope Francis reminds us that each of us is "a mission." Helping others to become aware of that and embrace it in their lives is mission education.

Catholic ministers, educators, and parents play special roles in helping their communities experience the joy of participating in God’s mission of love. As a mission educator, you lay the foundations that enable this mission of love to be passed on to the next generation.

In addressing the youth in Brazil, Pope Francis said, “Where does Jesus send us? There are no borders, no limits: he sends us to everyone. ” People in your community need people like you help them answer that call!

Contact one of our Mission Educator-Promoters to help you form and accompany missionary disciples.

Maryknoll's Mission Educator-Promoters are Priests, Brothers, Deacons and Lay Ecclesial Ministers who have embraced their calling as missionary disciples as a full or part ministry. They bring their inter-cultural experiences and education in theology and pastoral ministry to bear in accompanying and forming other missionary disciples.

FAQs: Am I a Missionary Disciple?

Some missionary disciples are priests, brothers and sisters, and some of them are involved in ministry overseas. However, all Christians become missionary disciples when they are baptized. (EG 120)

So, mission isn't just something that happens in foreign lands?

Mission happens everywhere. For most of us, our call to mission will happen primarily in our homes, workplaces and neighborhoods. But Jesus' challenges us to always be mindful that God's mission has no boundaries and limits. We are called to be in solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world even if we never leave home.

Is mission primarily about converting people to the Catholic faith?

Mission is about sharing the joy of God's love with others, especially those who are told or believe that they are unlovable. When we do a good job of sharing God's love with others, those who aren't part of our Catholic community will hopefully become attracted to us and our faith and want to join us.

What is mission education and who is a mission educator?

While all Christians are baptized into the mission of Jesus, they need help to become aware of that, and to become properly formed in the faith so that they can effectively share their joy with others. Mission educators are primarily the teachers, catechists, deacons, priests and parish ministers who help form missionary disciples. This usually happens at the parish and school.

Spotlight

Mission and Scripture: A Basic Approach

All scripture is a call to mission. God is love (1 Jn 4:16) "expresses the Christian image of God and resulting image of humanity and its destiny" (Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est).